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On a particularly bad attack of indigestion. Received 2 tickets to the Phormio, which he gave to his doctor and his amanuensis. The Epilogue, a satire on the Chartists of the day, was received with much applause - will be published in The Times on the 19th. The last time he and JB saw the play was in 1779 - 2 lead characters, Dickens and Kelly, went to Oxford the following spring. Quotes a line referring to a set of gamblers known as blacklegs. Refers to Welch's List of the Scholars of Westminster School. Does JB exercise on horseback or on shanks' pony, as their schoolboy expression had it (NB very early use of this phrase)?

On ways to cure hams (smoking in chimneys, or the Wiltshire Cure). Recommends the 1st two volumes of Macaulay's History of England (the rest not published until 1855). On the fake assassination attempt on Victoria by William Hamilton. If Macaculay does not appeal, recommends a life of Lord Eldon.

On the afflictions of growing old. He can only sit and read (presumably, be read to). All modern publications are 'trash' - going through for the second time Sir Robert Ker Porter's Journey to Baghdad. On the arrival of some artefacts from Ninevah in the British Museum. Steam navigation has brought so many countries within reach. Corn Laws to be discussed again in Parliament. If the price of bread can be kept down for the lower orders, the Chartists and other disaffected characters will have less to work with. On the price of meat and fish.

Has finally been able to come downstairs after his lumbago. The French are so used to revolution that very little surprises them - things which would horrify an Englishman. On the case brought by George Cornelius Gorham against the Bishop of Exeter, on being refused preferment. Sad to see the progress which Roman Catholics are making in England. On the neglect in the education of young men at the universities - they are too old at 17 or 18, as opposed to 10-12 years old in their young day. Dean Buckland is ill (see 73) in the parish of Islip (as was Vincent - the living belongs to Westminster Abbey).

Years of entry into College of Thomas and James Trebeck, John Fawcett (subsequently John Pulteney) and Charles Simpson. Thomas Trebeck is a rector in Sussex, and James was attached to the court of bankruptcy. Would be good to know the fates of others - John and Thomas Fawcett, Challoner (possibly John Chaloner), and Field (per the Record, possibly John Ventris Field), who HMC admired for his acting in The Siege of Damascus and the comedy The Author. Surprised that JB does not keep a cow or a pig. On the Marquis of Anglesey as Master-Gen. of the Ordnance (NB in the government but not in the cabinet). Some say that the new administration cannot last, but according to HMC Sir Robert Peel and his men will support the government. On the death of his younger brother William Paget from a stiletto wound received while in the Royal Navy in Constantinople; and Arthur (The Hon. Sir Arthur Paget), who quarrelled with the marquis as a result of his scandalous marriage. His wife's admirable cooking, using hints picked up in France.

No need for JB to send the pamphlet on tithes (see 11), since HMC has discovered the principle behind the bill. On the deficiencies of Daniel O'Connell's policies in Ireland, and the difficulties of waging war on Irish rebels. Quotes a line of Horace - he remembers so much not because of lessons, but rather the practice of the 6th Form at Westminster at passing their many hours of idleness (see 11) by quoting and then capping verses. On parts of Horace worth remembering in their own right, and the vain search (e.g. by Sir John Hobhouse) for places he mentions (e.g. his villa, the spring of Bandusium). On a recent assertion that the earth is no less than 47,000 years old - some discussion of the views of Dr William Buckland, Dean of Westminster.

Cross-written. JB is looking for a curate - John Ollivier, booksellers of Pall Mall, keep a register of clergymen in want of a position. Thinks of 'fumum et opes strepitumque Romae (Hor.C.3.29.12 - first read before he was 12) whenever he enters London. Ill discipline at the military academy in Woolwich, where 8 or 9 have been expelled - as with those expelled from university, they will never be able to hold a government post. A few tears ago the Duke of Wellington prevented his son from being expelled by Christ Church - he had got drunk on champagne, piled all his furniture in the middle of the quad and set fire to it.

Recent bad weather has caused many deaths, including his old friend the Duke of Argyll. Remarks on the crisis in Portugal, and civil unrest/disobedience in England.

3rd performance of the Play took place last night - in addition to the clergy and the Heads of Houses and tutors from the two universities, there were present from the government Lord Morpeth and the Marquis of Lansdowne (Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice OW), so perhaps the school may be revived.

Cross-written. On the abdication of Louis Philippe, King of France, who departed in such haste that he left behind his pocket book containing £15,000 in bank notes. On unrest in Europe, and demonstrations in Britain whipped up by Charles Cochrane (the Spanish Minstrel). The varying competences of physicians. On the 1798 uprising in Ireland, and the unpleasantness of civil war.